NSW 9 (0) Try: Timmins Goal: Fitzgibbon Pen: Fitzgibbon Drop: Timmins Queensland: 8 (4) Tries: Prince, Tate

The scores were tied 8-8 at normal time before Timmins struck with a superb 40-metre effort in the 83rd minute.

Scott Prince's solitary try gave the Maroons a 4-0 half-time lead, but a Timmins try levelled the scores and Craig Fitzgimmon kicked NSW 8-4 ahead.

But Brent Tate's try levelled the match to ensure an enthralling finale.

NSW's build-up was dominated by a controversy which saw Mark Gasnier and Anthony Minichello stood down from the team for off-field misdemeanours.

But the home side - also without injured captain Andrew Johns - seemed galvanised early on, some ferocious tackling rocking Queensland back on their heels.

NSW captain Danny Buderus was held up over the line in the second minute, and the Maroons survived another let-off when a forward pass ruined a promising Blues position.

They had a try ruled out after 15 minutes after a chip through from Ben Hornby was collected by Michael de Vere, but the video referee ruled that Timmins had diverted the ball forward.

Prince pounces for the first try

Queensland, who were without their own injured captain Darren Lockyer, gradually started to earn some territory and possession.

Wing Billy Slater almost got a touch to a chip ahead before the visitors took the lead in the 23rd minute.

Half-back Scott Prince threw a dummy a metre out and shot through a gap between De Vere and Craig Wing to dive over.

Cameron Smith missed the goal, and NSW wasted a chance to level when Andrew Ryan could not hold on to Craig Gower's high kick.

Queensland might have scored a second try but for Timmins' last-ditch ankle tap on Tonie Carroll, and were good value for their 4-0 interval lead.

That was unbelievable. We have got the money but there were no losers out there tonight NSW coach Phil Gould

But New South Wales levelled the match six minutes into the second half when Timmins spun away from the clutches of three Maroons tacklers to touch down.

Fitzgibbon's goal put the Blues ahead and he slotted a penalty after 50 minutes to extend the advantage.

But Queensland refused to buckle, and tied the scores on the hour when Prince broke away before flinging out a pass for Tate to score in the left corner.

Smith again failed with the kick to ensure a nervous final quarter.

Fitzgibbon missed a penalty chance to put NSW ahead after 73 minutes before centre Matthew Gidley was held up on the Maroons line.

Gower then missed an attempted drop goal for the home side, before Queensland's Slater had one charged down in the final minute of normal time.

With both teams knowing the next score would win the match, Gower had another attempted drop charged down in extra-time before Timmins struck to clinch victory.

NSW: Hornby, Rooney, De Vere, Gidley, Lewis, Timmins, Gower, Fitzgibbon, Ryan; Hindmarsh, O'Meley, Buderus (capt), O'Hara
Replacements: Mason, Kite, Waterhouse, Wing

Queensland: Wesser, Hodges, Bowman, Tate, Slater, Flannery, Prince; Webcke, Smith, Price, Crocker, Carlaw, Carroll
Replacements: Ross, Civoniceva, Norton, Bowen.

Referee: Sean Hampstead (Australia)